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Blues Brews and Barbecue has
become the favorite city event of many
residents-and Brookellen Swope
admits that, despite all expectations, it
has becomeher favorite too.
Swope, the CEO of the Westland
Chamber of Commerce, has been
organizing and overseeing the event
for about seven years. It has grown,
during that time, from attracting
crowds of about 5,000 to the record
attendance of 14,000 last year.
“I admit it is my favorite,” Swope
said. “We outgrew the former location
two years ago and had to move it-
which is a nice problemtohave.”
This year, as usual, therewill be live
entertainment all weekend with the
Soul Men, a Blues Brothers tribute
band closing appearing from 8-10 p.m.
Saturday with the Madison Avenue
Band.
“They are very popular,” Swope
said, “and very, very entertaining.”
The Blues, Brews and Barbecue
will also close out the event withmusi-
cally choreographed fireworks for the
third year.
“The fireworks will begin shortly
after 10 p.m. on Saturday, and people
who don't want to come to the festival
can still enjoy the display,” Swope
said. “There is plenty of room on the
soccer fields and we want everyone to
be able to enjoy them.”
TheBlues Brews andBarbecuewill
take place this year on the grounds of
the old Westland City Hall on Ford
Road. There will be parking with a
free shuttle from John Glenn High
School, the Senior Friendship Center
and the Vo-Tech Center in town. The
shuttles will run during festival times
anddrop guests off right at the gate.
“We only ask that no outside food
or beverages be brought in,” Swope
This event raises money for
the non-profits in the
community which benefits our
residents, which benefits the
community as a whole.
”
A family affair
Blues Brews and Barbecue offers community fun
